The Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs uses advanced "Carbon 6X" carbon fiber material for its leg construction. This improved tubing is stronger, lighter and as resistant as its 12 layer predecessor. Carbon "6X" is manufactured using a complex, 3-D process weaving 6 layers of carbon fiber into smooth, solid constructed tubes.
The GT3530LS is a longer eye-level tripod that is part of the Systematic Series 3 range. It is ideal for use with professional equipment, medium format cameras, and SLRs with an up to 500mm maximum lens attached. It offers an excellent load capacity rating of 39.6 lbs (18kg) and good torsional rigidity.
Systematic tripods offer a unique ultra-wide top platform that guarantees an incredibly stable base for any professional high performance equipment. This platform can be removed and replaced with other accessories, making this a fully customizable system.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 39.6 lbs (18kg) |
| Maximum Height | 58.3" (148cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | N/A |
| Minimum Height | 4.3" (11cm) |
| Folded Length | 26.4" (67cm) |
| Head Attachment Fitting | 3/8"-16 |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.840kg) |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | 6x Carbon fiber |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 2/3 |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist locks |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No (optional) |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | N/A |
| Center Column Sections | N/A |
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Most Liked Positive Review
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I do mostly HDR (bracketed shots) and long exposures . I have read articles about dissapointing results with lower cost pods(movement,flimsy and broken parts...)and the cost of replacement. I ...Read complete review
I do mostly HDR (bracketed shots) and long exposures . I have read articles about dissapointing results with lower cost pods(movement,flimsy and broken parts...)and the cost of replacement. I decided to spend a little time to research what is available and the type of photography I am interested in. I was not dissapointed !The heaviest lens I currently own is a Canon 400mm f/2.8L II, I attach this to an RRS quickplate and Markins M20 ballhead which all sits on the Gitzo GT3530 LS . My photo quality increased dramatically ! [...] This tripod just looks beutimous as well ! The G lock system does not dissapoint, the materials used do not feel cheap and locks securely with metal pullouts to adjust the angle of the legs. I just cannot find anything wrong with it !
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Most Liked Negative Review
I’d love to say I love this tripod but….
I purchased this tripod to replace a Manfrotto 190PROXB with a center column. The GT3530LS, not having a center column, provides a much more stable base in windy conditions and does not transmit vibrations...Read complete review
I purchased this tripod to replace a Manfrotto 190PROXB with a center column. The GT3530LS, not having a center column, provides a much more stable base in windy conditions and does not transmit vibrations on to my Nikon D300. It’s very lightweight and as solid as a rock. That’s the upside. The down side is that there two flaws – one in my opinion a major problem and the other merely annoying. The first major problem is that there is only one small star type screw securing the bracket that holds the plate to the top of the tripod. This plate attaches to the ballhead which in turn holds the camera. Halfway into a three day shoot at the seashore this small screw somehow became loose and the plate with ball head and camera attached fell to the ground. I was carrying the tripod with camera attached on a sandy trail at waist level when this happened and, fortunately the camera fell into a pile of leaves and no damage was done. But still, what if I had the tripod in the water instead - imagine the damage to the camera then. I had the small Gitzo supplied star wrench in my backpack and was able to reattach the plate back onto the top of the tripod. Now, I know what your probably thinking, and yes I had checked this particular screw upon inspecting the tripod upon arrival and when I mounted the ball head. I’ll check a lot more often from here on out. [...]. For now I’ll keep an eye on it and inspect it regularly. The other less serious problem occurred only hours later when one of the feet fell off and could not be found. I knew beforehand that this was potential trouble and so had checked the feet several times. [...].Still, these two troubles leave me feeling a little uneasy about my purchase, especially the loose plate problem. And I find myself with less confidence about using this tripod. Gitzo’s have a reputations for being the best built with rugged dependability and now I find myself questioning that. And for the rest of the trip I found myself carrying the camera/tripod in my arms like a baby instead of over my shoulder or at waist level when traveling a very short distance. If anyone else has encountered this situation before and has a solution a post here would be appreciated.I’d love to say I love this tripod but…..
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
This is an amazing Tripod. I am planning a trip to Africa and got recommendations from a friend on the Gitzo Tripod. I took his advice and ordered it. I love it. It's sturdy but yet light carry. A fantastic purchase. I would recommend to people in the future.
Thank you, Carolyn Goetz
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
My heavy pro lens were causing my old tripod to bounce just a bit. The Gitzo is very stable and tall enough for me without the need of a center column. And it's a lot lighter than the old aluminum tripod.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
Nature, landscapes and birding!!
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
Great tripod - my comments here are to address any confusions and or 'net comments I read before I purchased this. This model has Gitzo's latest features - I was initially confused by the product number that appears to be an older model but this is a fully up-to-date unit.
I use this with a Canon 500mm / 5D Mk II, and a Wimberly II head.
For me at 6', I don't fully extend the last segments by about 3-5" - this is at an angle so I don't know what this means to overall change in height but I am glad I got the taller unit - I had to use the extra inches on one leg due to a slight slope.
The unit is very sturdy but there is flex in the slide-joints. Not that this is bad, but I read this was a rock-solid unit and that is not true hence my 4-star rating. The unit is spec'ed to hold this 500mm lens and it is fine... but there is some flex.
It is very light for how strong it is. I am happy with my purchase and glad I did not spend more for the next model up.
Set up is real quick but you do have to futz to get it level and the spirit bubble is invaluable for this. Just being picky here as I like the flip locks of my other 'pods better for speed.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
Lightweight tripod that is quick and easy to set up and break down. Do yourself a favor if you have a BIG lens and put this tripod underneath it!!!
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
I looked long and hard at what was out there and what others were saying about the various options. What I kept hearing over and over is that if you try and go cheap on your tripod in the long run you will waste time and money chasing a cheaper solution while your work suffers only to eventually end up purchasing a quality solution... and everyone seems to agree... Gitzo makes a quality solution.
The GT3530LS is the perfect compromise between the lighter, less heavy duty "25" series and the take no prisoners, super heavy duty "55" series. The GT3530LS is rated for loads well past what most people are going to try and stick on it, extends to a maximum hight greater than most people will typically need (I am 6 feet tall and I don't use it at it's full extension), is a solid compromise between the tripods weight and its load bearing capacity, adjusts smooth and fast and locks solid as a rock.
Would I like it if it were a little bit lighter? Sure... but the bottom line is that I would not trade its stability and load capacity for a lighter unit. This one is right in the sweet spot.
If it is as high quality as it seems, I think I have bought the last tripod I will need in a while.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
This is one sturdy tripod. No problems supporting a 400mm 2.8 lens.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
I work with 500 and 600mm lenses and you MUST have a stable platform to get the best performance from these monsters. Center mount give you just that with this Gitzo. I am amazed at the stability for the relative light weight of these legs.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
I primarily use the tripod for landscape, nature and portraits. It sets up quickly and is very stabile.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
This is my second Gitzo Tripod and the company continues to produce a great product. This tripod doesn't weigh much for its size, is incredibly stable and very easy to use. I highly recommend this tripod for everything from macro to big telephoto lens work.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
Light and tough. I recommend 3 series rather than 2 series even for moutain climbers. Now, SLRs are high ISO and equipped with image-stabilizer. Therefore, you do not need small tripods that does not give you absolute stability. If you use small tripods, the quality will be no difference or worse.
You can reduce weight and increase rigidness by not using a center pole. If you choose light ballhead like G-1177M (only $29 after rebate), it will be the lightest and the most rigid tripod system for 70-200mm F2.8 + full size SLR. Head makes little difference but leg matters to the quality of pictures. It's better to spare weight for "leg". 3 section is fast to extend.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
very stable and light.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
I purchased this to replace/suppliment my Manfrotto 190XProB tripod. That tripod has served me well using my 28-70mmf2.8L,70-200mmf2.8L and 300mmf4L. I equipped it with a Kirk ballhead and Wimberly Sidekick.
I recently purchased the 500mmf4L. I needed a tripod capable of handling the weight of that lense and a 1D MK IV body. This tripod does it with ease. I also ordered the LS and have found the extra height as an added bonus. I'm almost 6'1 and this setup is perfect. I've equipped this with the Wimberly WH-200 gimble mount.
It's expensive. It's solid. It works for me.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
First feel of it, solid and when fully extend the legs, it is still solid. The vibration from my setup is so minimum, and the damping is good for my setup. I shoot mostly birds and some wildlife with the 500mm +1.4x converter combination.
I wish gitzo would at least bundle together a carry case with the $ you paid for.
Good solid construction, I was comtemplating a similar china product...but to be on the safeside.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
Bought this with a gimbal head for my Canon 500 f4. Love the simplicity and lightweight design w/o centerpost. Rock solid, great twist locks. Definitely recommend to others.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
An excellent tripod. I use it with my Nikon 200-400 f4 zoom and gimbal head to photograph birds and wildlife. Modest weight but firm support. I don't tjink I'll ever need another tripod!
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
The GT3530LS Carbon Fiber tripod is sturdiest plus also has the easiest & fastest setup of any tripod I have ever owned. My previous tripod was a 1325 Carbon Fiber Gitzo.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
I have owned many tripods in the past 30 years of my commercial photography. Gitzo continues to improve on a good product. I bought this tripod, along with the Gitzo Leveling Base, specifically for use with the Wimberley Gimbal style tripod head and long lenses (300 mm f/2.8, etc.). It works great.
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
I'm a semi-professional photogrpher specializing in wildlife photography which opporunities areplentiful where I live in Anchorage, Alaska. I'm currently upgrading to a supertelephoto outfit and assembling the necessary pieces of equipment needed. I purchased this carbon fiber Gitzo Tripod to use with a Gimbal head and an 800 mm canon lens - so I needed "the best". Suffice it to say I was not disappointed. The tripod is sturdy, the leg sections beefier that I thought they would be and the operation of the leg section straightfoward. I look forward to putting this gorgeous piece of equipment through the rigors of the Alaska bush!
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Comments about Gitzo GT3530LS Long Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs:
I thought I could go cheap on a tripod if I chose wisely. Well, the wisest choice would have been to buy the GT3530LS first instead of wasting time, money and patience on other less expensive alternatives. I should have listened to what others have said all along.
These legs are rock-solid. No vibration at all and built like a tank. Heavier than some others but it seems with tripods heavier may be better.
Think about how you shoot and how far you walk to get there. If your style is to backpack 20 or so miles a day to get the shot, forget it and find a lighter alternative. But if you end up shlepping your gear in the car or truck and you set up reasonably close to your vehicle, go with these legs.
If you are really into "tack-sharp" photos, this is how you get them. Pair the Gitzo GT3530LS with a ballhead from RRS or Markins and this combo will last you a lifetime. Highly recommended.
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